The Wufeng Lin Family Mansion (Gongbao Di) is a representative residence of a first-rank official from the Qing Dynasty. The entire complex follows a five-section, eleven-bay layout. Among these, the first section (First Courtyard) is located at the very front of the estate and serves as the main entrance hall of the architectural complex.
It was expanded by Lin Chao-tung between the 9th year of the Tongzhi reign (1870) and the 9th year of the Guangxu reign (1883). This section symbolizes the first formal space upon entering the residence and reflects the majesty and ceremonial order of an official’s mansion.
Layout and Function:
The first section serves as the reception and entrance area, functioning as the mansion’s formal façade. It faces the main courtyard and is symmetrically flanked by side wings (hùlóng).
Architectural Details:
Notable features include red brick walls, wood-carved lintels, ornamental window lattices, ceramic roof decorations, and stone carvings.
Symbolic Meaning:
Above the entrance hangs a plaque inscribed with “Gongbao Di” (Residence of the Duke Protector), signifying that the owner once held the rank of a first-class official, a position of great honor and prestige.
Visual Effect:
Looking inward from the first section, visitors can successively see the second, third, and later sections, creating a sense of depth and axial symmetry throughout the estate.